PARADE, DEMO DERBY HIGHLIGHT FAIR ON MONDAY

With the sound of roaring motors and crashing cars, about 3,500 fans filled the grandstands at Arena Park for Monday night's Demolition Derby at the 139th SEMO District Fair.

The fair officially started Monday with a parade from Capaha Park to the fairground. Starting at 5:30 p.m., the parade lasted almost two hours before the last group of horses made it to the end of the route, which was lined with crowds.

Steve Engles, fair board director, said there were about 100 entries in parade -- the biggest ever. As many as 18 area bands added to the spectators' enjoyment of the parade.

Max and Janet Dalton of Whitewater said they usually come to the parade every year. Seated on a concrete banister over a small ditch at the end of the parade route in Arena Park, they thought they would stay until the horses passed.

Pointing to the large number of people sharing the vantage point, Max Dalton suggested bleachers would come in handy.

The Daltons said they would probably browse at the fair and get something to eat before heading home. They expected to return for tonight's tractor pull.

Louie King of Cape Girardeau said he was at the parade on account of his wife, Dorothy, who wanted to see it.

"I've noticed some of the band members are really hot," Dorothy King said. "It's been a good parade. I really enjoy the bands."

She said it had been several years since they had a chance to see the parade. She was off work Monday from her job at Procter & Gamble.

"This is beautiful weather," Louie King said. "It's a beautiful day for a parade."

Danny Niswonger, Cape Girardeau policeman who is recovering from injuries he received when a vehicle struck the motorcycle he was driving while he was on duty, was the parade's grand marshal.

Following Niswonger, who rode in a convertible at the front of the parade, was a float depicting Bart Simpson, the children's grand marshal.

"The fair is off to a great start," said Engles, who estimated more than 12,000 people attended Sunday's events. He estimated about 6,000 came out for midway rides on Saturday.

"The fair is the best value that anyone can get for their money," Engles said. "There are so many free things that a person can do and see at the fair."

A lumberjack show can be seen Tuesday through Thursday at 7 and 8:30 p.m. Sparkles, the magic goose is another feature.

Engles said "you can ride till you drop" from 5 to 11 p.m. today and Wednesday. For $10, fairgoers can have unlimited midway rides.

"We want people to have a good time, eating the food and riding the rides," said Engles.